Z rating is adopted for tires with maximum speed capabilities of over 149 mph. Z rating is a designation that may appear in the middle of the tire’s information, adopted for high-performance tires. This is a separate category consisting of 3-speed ratings: 168, 186, and above 186 mph. The ZR designation is aimed at higher-performance cars that can reach maximum speeds over 149 mph. Each increase is several miles per hour higher than the previous one and gets a letter that helps you identify the rating quickly. The speed rating ranges from 75 mph and goes over 186 mph. For example, if the sidewall says: “195/70R13 75M,” the tire speed rating is the last letter “M.” What Are Z Rated Tires?īefore explaining the ZR designation, first, let’s look at the other ratings. You can find the tire speed rating on the sidewall right next to the size and load index. If your previous tires were purchased per the manufacturer’s requirements, you could use them as a guide. Alternatively, you can look at the maintenance stickers at the door or in the glovebox. The tire speed rating will mostly depend on your vehicle, so the first place to look is the user manual. For instance, for a tire coded as 225/70R16 85S, S represents the speed rating, with maximum speed capabilities of 112 mph. Speed ratings on tires are usually inscribed on the sidewall of the tire. Speed ratings can be found on other locations that bear tire size codes for the car, including the driver’s side door jamb, gas tank hatch or inside the glove door hatch. Car manufacturers recommend specific speed ratings that are included in the car manual. The speed rating is usually simple to identify as it appears as the last item in the tire’s size code. This was also good news for less powerful cars as they didn’t have any need for high-performing tires that can be operated at a speed much higher than the vehicle can reach. The general rule is that the lower the price, the lower the speed rating. One of those decisions is the tire speed rating. To keep the price range wide and offer cheaper and more expletive premium tires, certain decisions had to be made. Over time, more manufacturers started to get in on the business, and more models were introduced. Initial speed ratings designated unlimited V (over 130 mph) as the highest tire speed rating.Īs cars became faster throughout history, tire manufacturers had to keep up the pace and design tires to withstand the speeds. Speed ratings were introduced as a means to control and ensure the safe performance of diverse tire brands at standardized operating speeds. Tire manufacturers adopt different manufacturing processes and standards. Speed rating values are experimental and obtained by testing tire characteristics under simulated loads to identify maximum tire speeds. Standard speed ratings are denoted using the letters A to Z, with corresponding maximum speeds of 3 mph to 186 mph, respectively. In some instances, the tires may start to degrade, which can be catastrophic.Įxceeding the speed ratings reduces the safety and performance of the tires. Once you pass the threshold, the performance drops, and they are no longer considered safe. Higher speed ratings provide better handling and control characteristics at higher speeds. The tire speed rating is the maximum speed that a tire can reach under recommended loads for a sustained amount of time under ideal operating conditions. 25636 0 What does the tire speed rating mean?Įvery car tire comes with a specific speed and load capacities.
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